Phillips H. Lord papers, 1923-1969 (bulk 1930-1942)

Lord (1902-1975) created over eighteen radio and television programs, including "Seth Parker"; "Seth Parker's Old Fashioned Singing School"; "G-Men"; "Gangbusters"; and "Mr. District Attorney." The "Seth Parker" series was his most popular work, in which he appeared, wrote, produced, and directed. Lord was born in Hartford, Vermont but moved shortly after to Meriden, Connecticut where his father became the pastor of a local church. He graduated with honors from Bowdoin College in 1923 and then became principal of the high school in Plainville, Connecticut, at just twenty-two years old, the youngest person to hold such a post in the state. However, he tired of the academic life and began writing short stories, eventually moving to New York City in 1927. His break came from his first program "Old Fashioned Singing School," broadcast on a Hartford station, which received favorable letters and was picked up by five stations. Eventually, NBC decided it wanted the series, which led to the formation of "Seth Parker." In 1935 Lord bought a schooner and attempted to sail around the world, but the ship was wrecked in a storm near Tahiti. Lord and the crew survived, but the trip was curtailed as the ship was wrecked and sold for parts.